QURBANI: The Gift of Divine Blessings

[In an article published at Le Mauricien Newspaper on November 07, 2011 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib of Mauritius reflected on the spiritual significance of ‘Qurbani’, an important component of the festival of Eid-ul-Adha in Islam. Besides commemorating an instance of extraordinary submission to the Will of Allah displayed by two servants of Allah, Qurbani underscores the need for every human being to be ready to do sacrifices in the pursuit of attaining salvation and the pleasure of Allah, points out the Khalifatullah. For the benefit of everyone, we are reproducing the article below].

“And We gave him (Abraham) the glad tidings of a very gentle son (Ishmael). And when he reached the age of travelling with him, he said: ‘My son, while I was sleeping I saw that I shall slaughter (sacrifice) you, tell me what is your opinion.’ He replied: ‘Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.’ And when they had both submitted, and his son had laid down prostrate upon his forehead, We called to him, saying: ‘O Abraham, you have confirmed your vision. ‘As such We recompense the good-doers. That was indeed a clear trial. So, We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice.” (Quran 37:102-108)

Qurbani (Udhiya) or sacrifice dates back to the time of Prophet Abraham (on him be peace) when Allah asked him to sacrifice his only son, Prophet Ishmael (on him be peace) so as to test his sincerity and faith in Him. The help and encouragement from his son – who did not hesitate to give up his life for the sake of Allah (Almighty God) – made Prophet Abraham accomplish his duty towards his Creator without a single hesitation. Had he not said: “I submit myself to the Lord of the worlds”? (Quran 2:133)

'Khalifatullah shall Perform Hajj’

Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca for the performance of spiritual rites is one of the most sacred obligations in Islam. An able Muslim has to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime. The Holy Qur’an describes the Hajj in a manner that reinforces spiritual brotherhood, universal solidarity, and oneness of humanity symbolizing the essential unity and egalitarian spirit of all mankind worshipping the Lord Almighty.   

And yet, the Mullahs have instigated the mundane caretakers of the ‘Ancient House’- (‘Baitul Aqiq’) so much so that Muslims who believe in the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) are prevented from performing their spiritual obligations at Mecca. This is a patent subversion of the Qur’anic idea of Hajj which seeks to unite humanity under the banner of Islam, rather than divide the world on the grounds of sectarian prejudices and jaundiced perceptions.

It is only logical to consider that irrespective of what the mundane caretakers of the the ‘Ancient House’ may prescribe, the original Qur’anic perspective of uniting mankind at Mecca shall have to happen, especially with the advent (and departure) of the Promised Massih (as). Now that Allah has sent a Chosen Messenger of His in our times in the personhood of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib of Mauritius, there is a valid spiritual expectation that the promised uniting of all humanity under the symbolic banner of Hajj shall take place in the present era itself. Allah knows Best.

It is instructive to note that in his recent speeches- November 04 & 06, 2011- on the subject of Hajj and Eid,  Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius made certain pertinent observations based on what Allah the Most High has informed him through revelations. 

Munir Azim Sahib: Years before the Divine Call

[The series of articles on the family and spiritual background of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib of Mauritius looks at his life before the Divine Call.  The previous instalments in the series were published here at the Sahih Al Islam Blog on October 24 & 26 & on November 03, 2011. While the first two parts detailed the family lineage and provided an account about the righteous parents of the Khalifatullah, the third instalment dealt with the events of his childhood days, especially his Thabligh encounters against the spiritual opponents of Ahmadiyya Islam and his enthusiasm and enterprise in spreading the message of Islam among the people as a young man. 

The current instalment chronicles the services of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib to the Jamaat of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as). In his intrinsic quest for rendering services to Islam, he preferred to work with the organizational framework of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, rather than pursuing job opportunities elsewhere. It is highly unusual for someone who has not graduated from any Jamia to become a full-pledged missionary of the Jamaat. Yet, Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib went on to serve and become highly effective and successful in his Dawa works in Mauritius and outer Islands so much so that even the Caliph of the day was highly appreciative of his selfless services to the Jamaat. Through out this period, his devotion to the cause of Islam enabled him to transcend the pettiness and decadence he observed and witnessed among the employees of the Jamaat, including hierarchical superiors within the Ahmadiyya establishment. The article further provides extracts from a recent speech - intensely moving, retrospective reflections on those eventful years-by the Khalifatullah].